40 years of KEMPER – the interview: “In former times, welding fumes were regarded as healthy to some extent”
With a gut feeling, courage and of course a set of reliable figures as a basis, in 1977 Gerd Kemper set out on a personal crusade: clean air at the workplace while welding. Something which in the early days appeared alien to his expectations actually turned out to be a vital business field. 40 years after establishing KEMPER GmbH – formed on 17th March 1977 – Gerd Kemper is now looking back on his company and its industry.
Manganese in welding fumes causes symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease
Welding with additives containing manganese promotes the occurrence of symptoms that are similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. The higher the manganese content in the welding fumes, the more marked are the symptoms that arise. These are the findings of a recent study.
Limit values for welding fumes: Let’s count the particles!
Are today’s limit values for welding fumes still relevant in their current form? Science and the industrial sector have doubts. KEMPER GmbH argues in favour of measuring the number of particles when evaluating welding fumes concentration. The true health hazard for employees is before the limit is reached – an essay by Björn Kemper.
Resistance welding: Risk from magnetic fields with little welding fumes
Welding fumes are not the greatest risk from resistance welding. Magnetic currents created by the welding process pose a far greater threat to the health of employees. Use of suction and filtering technology is therefore advisable, at least with a … >> more
WIG welding: “Clean” process with underestimated health risk
It is deemed a “clean” welding process creating only little welding fumes and is therefore often underestimated: WIG welding. The process harbors health risks which should not be underestimated. Welders are exposed to nitrogen oxides, radioactivity and ozone in particular. … >> more
Fine dust: the invisible danger
The danger is in the unseen: Fine dust is a threat to people. Specifically, ultra-fine dust particles constitute a health threat. This finding is becoming more accepted in science and practice and can be applied directly to welding or rather … >> more
Manual arc welding: Chromium VI compounds and more besides in the welding fumes
Up to the formation of chromium VI compounds: In manual arc welding, the kind of hazardous substances in the welding fumes is very much determined by the metal of the core rod and its covering. Particularly hazardous are high-alloy rod … >> more